The Message Bible MSG
World English Bible WEB
1 If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it - how shortsighted to refuse correction!
1
Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid.
2 A good person basks in the delight of God, and he wants nothing to do with devious schemers.
2
A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, But he will condemn a man of wicked devices.
3 You can't find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm.
3
A man shall not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4 A hearty wife invigorates her husband, but a frigid woman is cancer in the bones.
4
A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, But a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.
5 The thinking of principled people makes for justice; the plots of degenerates corrupt.
5
The thoughts of the righteous are just. The advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked kill; the speech of the upright saves.
6
The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, But the speech of the upright rescues them.
7 Wicked people fall to pieces - there's nothing to them; the homes of good people hold together.
7
The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, But the house of the righteous shall stand.
8 A person who talks sense is honored; airheads are held in contempt.
8
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, But he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
9 Better to be ordinary and work for a living than act important and starve in the process.
9
Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant, Than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.
10 Good people are good to their animals; the "good-hearted" bad people kick and abuse them.
10
A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 The one who stays on the job has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies.
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He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, But he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
12 What the wicked construct finally falls into ruin, while the roots of the righteous give life, and more life. Wise People Take Advice
12
The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, But the root of the righteous flourishes.
13 The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble; the conversation of good people keeps them out of it.
13
An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, But the righteous shall come out of trouble.
14 Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.
14
A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The doings of a man's hands shall be rewarded to him.
15 Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice.
15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who is wise listens to counsel.
16 Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults.
16
A fool shows his annoyance the same day, But one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
17 Truthful witness by a good person clears the air, but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit.
17
He who is truthful testifies honestly, But a false witness lies.
18 Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise.
18
There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, But the tongue of the wise heals.
19 Truth lasts; lies are here today, gone tomorrow.
19
Truth's lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only momentary.
20 Evil scheming distorts the schemer; peace-planning brings joy to the planner.
20
Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, But joy comes to the promoters of peace.
21 No evil can overwhelm a good person, but the wicked have their hands full of it.
21
No mischief shall happen to the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22 God can't stomach liars; he loves the company of those who keep their word.
22
Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, But those who do the truth are his delight.
23 Prudent people don't flaunt their knowledge; talkative fools broadcast their silliness.
23
A prudent man keeps his knowledge, But the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
24 The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work.
24
The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, But laziness ends in slave labor.
25 Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.
25
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a kind word makes it glad.
26 A good person survives misfortune, but a wicked life invites disaster.
26
The righteous is cautious in friendship, But the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 A lazy life is an empty life, but "early to rise" gets the job done.
27
The slothful man doesn't roast his game, But the possessions of diligent men are prized.
28 Good men and women travel right into life; sin's detours take you straight to hell.
28
In the way of righteousness is life; In its path there is no death.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
The World English Bible is in the public domain.